About Mint Cafe

Here's a little introduction on our next dining place to celebrate March birthday girl, the Mint Cafe.

Just check out the reviews on the left, with 3.5 out of 5 muffins, it will be good place to visit and check it out if you haven't.

By MRT, you can either alight at Bugis or City Hall, and then take a short walk over to Seah St. Although I am not a frequent rider on the MRT, I think the walk from City Hall Station will be shorter.

You cannot miss the Mint Cafe when you reach Seah St. Miss Betty will be there waiting and waving at you.

Some of the pictures (taken from other website) showing the interior of the cafe.



The Lobby

Dining Area

Exhibition Area

Plan Ahead For 2009 Leave

"Take 4 days leave and get 36 days off in 2009" straits times

List of Public Holidays in 2009
1. New Year's Day - 1 January (Thu)
2. Chinese New Year - 26, 27 January (Mon, Tue)
3. Good Friday - 10 April (Fri)
4. Labour Day - 1 May (Fri)
5. Vesak Day - 9 May (Sat)
6. National Day - 9 August (Sun)
7. Hari Raya Puasa - 20 September (Sun)
8. Deepavali - 15 November (Sun)
9. Hari Raya Haji - 27 November (Fri)
10.Christmas Day - 25 December (Fri)


Minimum Leave - Maximum Fun

1. Take 3 days and rest 9 Days.
Chinese New Year next year falls on a Monday and Tuesday (Jan 26 and 27), so if you took an additional three days leave, you stand to get nine days off.

2. Take 8 days and get another 8 free.
The biggest perk is reserved for the end of the year when Deepavali and Hari Raya Haji falls within a two-week span in November. If you have an additional eight days of leave to spare, you can stretch it to get a 16-day break.

Planning for a overseas trip, long R&R, pre/post honeymoon or even a wedding... the above is a great reference.

Toto Hongbao Draw: A Once-a-year Phenomenon

The annual Singapore Pools Toto Hongbao Draw is an exciting festive event that many Singaporeans look forward to every Lunar New Year. It’s that time of the year when every man-in-the-street has a chance to win the Toto jackpot of $10 million.

2005 Top 18 Outlets for Toto Group 1 Prize Winning Outlets
7-Eleven Yishun
Kim Chwee Trading
Seah Geok Eng Agency
SPPL - Gek Poh Shopping Centre
SPPL - Hougang N3
NTUC Fairprice Tiong Bahru Plaza
Dawn Florist
SPPL - Hougang N1
SPPL - Choa Chu Kang
SPPL - Bukit Batok Central
SPPL - Tampines Mart
7-Eleven Tai Thong
NTUC Fairprice Limbang Shopping Centre
NTUC Fairprice Rivervale Mall
SPPL - Chai Chee
Vijaya Darshana Agency
SPPL - New Upp Changi
SPPL - Ang Mo Kio N6

Have you bought your lucky 6 sets of numbers ... 1 to 45 ? If not, you can try your luck at some of more popular outlets above.

Soon Meng's Birthday Dinner @ Royal Copenhagen, Takashimaya

This year, Lynn has taken over the honour of planning all the birthday gatherings. And for her first assignment, Soon Meng. It was first our first time eating at Royal Copenhagen and I must say, they used a lot of china for their cups and pots. Most interesting is that their ice water had strawberries and mint leaves soaked in to remove the "raw" water taste, and I drank the water with a nice strawberry after taste.

And here's everyone.

Communication session after filling our tummy with Curry Chicken, Fish & Chips and a very nice Oven Roasted Chicken.

The cafe served nice tea and cakes too. We ordered a spread to go along with some tea.

The Popiah Lunch @ Meihua's Place, CNY

Alas, the photos from Jiahui are here! Like every year, Meihua will invite us over for a lunch or dinner during the CNY.

And here's me and my sponsor for the Nike T-shirt I am wearing.

Coffee after dinner @ Wiener Kaffeehaus

To celebrate Soon Meng's birthday, we had dinner at Royal Copenhagen, Level 2 Takashimaya. It was a nice small cafe that offered quite a list of main course for a full meal. A group photo was taken there by our full-time cameraman Jiahui. I will post the photos once she sent them to me.

We continued to Wiener Kaffeehaus along Bukit Timah Road. Sipping hot/cold coffee and drinks, we had chatted quite a bit. I think it is rather hard for us to chat during dinner with everyone busy munching away, thus having a drink in a cosy environment does allow more communication and catching up.

The more unique drink ordered by Teckyau was the Turkish Coffee. You need to wait for 10-15mins for them to prepare and brew this special blend for you. Teckyau was able to enjoy one cup and didn't went a second as there's crushed coffee beans settling a the bottom. The waiter said that the crushed beans will not flow up unless you are drinking the last drop.

The green colour drink ordered by Meihua simply goes along well with her dress. But from her expression later when she sipped it, I think she didn't quite like it, said that it tasted a bit like medicine. The drink's name is Spider, probably will be the last time she will order it.

Chinggay Parade 2008

This year's Chinggay Parade is held at Suntec City area, parading from Padang to the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Well, if we have the time after dinner celebrating Soon Meng's birthday, might be a good idea to drop by and join in the "squeeze" and sweat it out.

Below is the route of the parade. Starting from 8pm. And I think there's a PARTY for all from 11pm onwards.

First Timer

Phew...finally, I managed to login to this blog thingy. It took me so long just to create an account, accept invite, login,etc etc! Such a hassel. Maybe I am just not Internet savvy enough :(

Have always enjoy reading other people's blogs but this is the first time I am writing and posting something in a blog hehe. I am doing it now cos someone has been bugging me since day 1 when this blog is up...haha.

Ok done. Now back to serious work..presentation report... busy busy...

SINGAPORE FLYER - WORLD'S TALLEST FERRIS WHEEL

The wheel's diameter is 150 m and the height is 169 m, like that of a 42-storey building.

Admission Prices
Singapore Flight (Basic)
Adult - S$29.50
Child - S$20.65
Senior - S$23.60

Opening Hours
8:30am to 10:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the duration of 1 rotation of the wheel?

Each rotation of the Singapore Flyer takes about 30 minutes.

2. What is the maximum capacity of each capsule of the Singapore Flyer?
Each capsule can take up to 28 persons.

3. Am I allowed to bring bags on board?
Only small bags such as ladies’ handbags, camera bags, and pouches will be allowed in the capsule. Bigger items such as backpacks and luggage bags will have to be deposited at our baggage counter on Level 1.

4. What if I suddenly need to use the toilet on board?
In order to maximize use of space, and as the flight is only 30 minutes long, there are no toilets in the capsule. As such, we would advise you to visit the toilets before boarding. There will ample toilets available on the third level, near the Singapore Flyer’s boarding platform.

5. Can I eat and drink while on a flight?
No outside food or beverages may be consumed in the capsules or on the boarding platform leading to the Singapore Flyer without permission from the management. However, our Signature Cocktail Flight includes our unique signature cocktail in a special Singapore Flyer glass, which you can keep. Also, for private capsules, a menu for F&B will be provided.

So typical... No outside food and drinks as usual. With the price at $29.50 per adult for a ride of 30mins, do wait for someone from overseas visiting you then go and ride with them together, it will be more worth it as in killing 2 birds with 1 stone.

And for those planning on lifelong partnership ...

But with a capsule of max 28 pple, minus the bride, groom and justice-of-peace, only can invite 25 guests which includes your parents. Maybe some friends and relatives and overflow to the capsule behind and view via wireless?

Click pic on left for full details.

Info above are from the official website at http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/

So, anyone planning to go for a ride in the wheel soon?

All Time Favourite Cake

I was not really into cakes and when I do order a slice, its either the Black Forest from Hans or Banana Choc from Secret Recipe.

Until I tried the Bakerzin Strawberry Shortcake, it was simple perfect. The fresh cream was very light, and the cake itself was just nice, not too sweet.

However, do note a word of advice, never ever try to grab the last Strawberry Shortcake ... a story unfolds behind it ... hahaha ...

ENJOY!

Singaporeans' 2007 Household Income Rose 9.6%

THE average monthly household income of Singaporeans rose by 9.6 per cent to $6,280 in 2007 - the fast growth over the last decade, spurred by better wages on the back of a robust economy and a tight labour market.

But reflecting the widening income gap, higher-income households continued to take home more pay, with higher wage increases for skilled and knowledge workers, according to a paper on key household income trends in 2007 released by the Singapore Department of Statistics on Wednesday.

So I ponder for a moment and wonder if I should walk up to my boss and asked if he has given the wrong letter on salary adjustment to me last year...

Are you the one with 9.6% ??

A tradition when bandits stole women?

Hong Kong debuts in the ancient Finnish tradition of wife-carrying ahead of Valentine's Day
In the run up to Valentine's Day, Hong Kong holds its first wife-carrying championship, a tradition originating in 19th century Finland when bandits stole women from neighbouring villages.
Click on picture to view movie clip

Marrying sport, fun and romance -- a dozen Hong Kong couples took part in the city's first wife-carrying contest before Valentine's Day. The lovers -- young and old, hopped onto one another while watched by hundreds in a busy shopping centre.

Balancing wives on their backs, the men, some donning suits and Chinese wedding costumes, dashed over obstacles and scooped up roses in the name of love. The wife-carrying tradition which originates in ancient Finland, when bandits stole women from neighbouring villages, proved popular among the Chinese participants, keen to sweep their loved ones off their feet.

The oldest contestants were 70-year old Wong Chi-hung and his 60-year old wife. Eventual winners took home a pair of airline tickets to Shanghai.


I wonder if Singapore has such activities but then again, I only enjoy seeing other people and not myself doing it... haha.

No sex on Valentines, Police warns teens

Thai police will be out in force this Valentine's Day to ensure amorous teens don't engage in underage sex.

Alarmed by polls showing one in four Thai teens will celebrate St Valentine's Day by having sex, police plan to swoop on motels, malls and parks to ensure youths behave themselves on the "Day of Love".

The annual campaign to ensure good behaviour on February 14 will see city officials turn on all lights at public parks in the capital Bangkok, while parents are urged to make sure their teenagers come home early.

Police and "student inspectors" from the Education Ministry will be checking discrete "curtain" motels to make sure youths under the legal age of 18 are not using them for amorous interludes.
"We will send patrols to check out public parks, restaurants and shopping malls, which are the starting points for potential sexual activities that will be done at home or motels," Bangkok police spokesman Suporn Pansuea said.

Thailand's moral guardians are taking action after an Assumption University poll showed 27 per cent of 2,400 Bangkok teenagers surveyed said they might have sex on Valentine's Day.
Despite Bangkok's reputation as one of the world's sex industry centers, predominately Buddhist Thailand is generally a conservative country.

Abstracted from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/6/story.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10492421

Have you ever wondered how Valentine's Day came to be?

The Story behind St. Valentines Day is a fascinating one. Although February 14th is celebrated as a lovers' holiday today, with the giving of candy, flowers, Valentine's Day card and other gifts between couples in love, it originated as a tribute to St. Valentine, a Catholic bishop.

As early as the fourth century B.C., the Romans engaged in an annual young man's rite of passage to the God Lupercus. It's earliest orgin was the Roman festival Lupercalia, observed on Feb. 15. Lupercalia celebrated the coming of Spring on the Roman calendar. Lupercalia became a celebration intended to ensure the fertility of flocks, fields and people.

The names of the teenage women were placed in a box and drawn at random by adolescent men; thus, a man was assigned a woman companion (a sexual partner) for the duration of the year, after which another lottery was staged. After eight hundred years of this cruel practice, the early church fathers sought to end this practice.

In an effort to do away with the pagan festival, Pope Gelasius ordered a slight change in the lottery. Instead of the names of young women, the box would contain the names of saints. Both men and women were allowed to draw from the box, and the game was to emulate the ways of the saint they drew during the rest of the year. Needless to say, many of the young Roman men were not too pleased with the rule changes.

Instead of the pagan god Lupercus, the Church looked for a suitable patron saint of love to take his place. They found an appropriate choice in Valentine, who, in 270 AD had been beheaded by Emperor Claudius.

According to church tradition, St. Valentine was a priest near Rome. At that time the Roman Emperor, Claudius II, had issued an edict forbidding marriage. Claudius had determined that married men made poor soldiers because they were emotionally attached to their families. So he banned marriage from his empire.

Valentine, a bishop , seeing the trauma of young lovers, met with them in a secret place, and joined them in the sacrament of matrimony. When Claudius found out about this "friend of lovers," Valentine was thrown in jail and condemned to death.

While Valentine was in prison awaiting his fate, he befriended his jailer, Asterius, who had a blind daughter. Asterius' daughter befriended the kind priest by bringing food and messages to him. Valentine fell in love with the jailer's daughter. Asterius requested that he heal his daughter. Through his faith he miraculously restored the sight of Asterius' daughter and converted the two of them to Christianity.

After some time in prison the priest was ordered to appear before the Emperor. The emperor, impressed with the young priest's dignity and conviction, first tried to convert him to paganism to save him from certain execution. But Valentine reversed the strategy, trying instead to convert Claudius. He failed. Just before his execution, he asked for pen and paper from his jailor, and signed a farewell message to the jailer's daughter and signed it, "From Your Valentine." He was stoned and beheaded on February 24, 270 AD.

Valentine become a Patron Saint, and spiritual overseer of the annual festival. Although the lottery for women had been banned by the church, the mid-February holiday in commemoration of St. Valentine, involved young Romans offering women they admired and wished to court, handwritten greetings of affection on February 14th.

The greetings eventually acquired the St. Valentine's name. One of the earliest cards was sent in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London at the time. The card is now preserved in the British Museum.

My new 32" LCD TV

My current 29" CRT TV went blank on the day before eve of CNY. Poor Bing has no TV to watch and went to bed earlier than usual. Actually, it does seemed like a good thing as I have failed to get her sleeping before 11pm all this while.

With a budget <$1000, I researched the a few popular places for the best in specifications and prices and ended up with a 32" LCD TV from LG, model LG32LC7R. Costing at S$975 (carry home yourself), its a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 5ms refresh rate. The same model at other popular shops as follows;
1. Hong Liang Electrical - S$1250 with S$200 NTUC voucher + Free Delivery / Installation

2. Parissilk - S$990 with Free Delivery / Installation

3. Audio House - S$1250 with S$200 NTUC Voucher, didnt ask abt delivery

4. Mustafa - S$975 (My choice)

The above can act as a reference if you are looking for a LCD TV.

My next new dish

Again, about the cocktail prawns, I simply love its sweetness and the chewy feeling as you eat it.



Thinking of serving as shown above with or without the shells peeled, yet to be decided. It will definately make a good appetizer / cold dish.

Lo Hei with Bing's colleagues

At the invitation of Bing's colleague, we went over for dinner after work and had a Lo Hei session. The address was Blk 74A, I think very near to where Meihua's brother is staying. There is a small crowd and 70% of the people are fresh graduates from SMU ... mostly ladies and all very the beautiful dainty type. Well, I only photo my wife so no hopes seeing them here. Dinner was ... popiah... and lo hei. The popiah and lo hei was mainly vegetarian except for a plate of cocktail prawns and the fish for lo hei. Both Bing and me wasnt that hungry, we had only one popiah each.

After popiah session, all crowded around the table for the lo hei ... seen here are all Bing's colleagues except the the little girl on the extreme right.



To sum up, I personally feel that the vege popiah does not taste as good as the normal types with meat. But the cocktail prawns (purchased from IKEA) was just great, I savoured 10 of them.

This cocktail prawns gives me a good idea, probably will be my next test dish...

Down memory lane a bit ...

2002 - This photo was taken during Bing's birthday dinner at Amara Hotel.

2003 - Our dear Xian's birthday

2004 - I cannot remember which karaoke we went. All I can recall was that Soon Meng doesnt sing much... I think he still is.

All photos courtesy of Peifen... she too shy to post. MSN me all the photos to post...

Lo Hei ... HUAT AH...

4th day of the lunar new year. Went to Chiplee's place and he treated us to lo hei and dinner. Wow... no wonder I just loved to go visit him... hahaha...

While the ang moh will probably say don't play with your food... Thats us, tossing our food even higher for good luck and prosperity! Huat ah!!

Our 2 friends

Photo taken in April 2007 when we went with them to New Zealand together and it was great!

A Popiah Affair

This was the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year. Meihua invited us over for a sumptous popiah lunch. Although the much awaited yam paste with ginko nuts was not served, the popiah and barley dessert were just as great, Meihua's mum is a good cook.

Our gracious host, simply happy.

Some of the ladies ...

And here's Lynn and Shun Ming.

I am looking forward to the group photo with all of us taken by Jiahui... should receiving them anytime soon.

Xmas Party 2007

The annual christmas gathering / party was held at Peifen's house this year. Attendance was almost 100% except for Shao Qiang (came late as he needs to work), Peisi (visiting her sister and new born niece in USA) and Weixian (happily touring USA).

Welcome All

Just started this ... lets all post some stuffs! And to start off, the CHUAs ... Matt and me.